Defending Champion:Ernie Els fired 32 coming home to win his second Open Championship and fourth-career major as he defeated Adam Scott by one shot.

Dates: July 17-21

Notes: The Claret Jug stays in the winner’s possession for a calendar year. Ernie Els returned it, unscathed, Monday after his year with it in tow.

History Lessons

There have been 29 tournaments this season. The Stars and Stripes have won 23 of them but Australian Adam Scott and Englishman Justin Rose have the two biggest trophies, the Masters and U.S. Open, respectively.

There have also been 11 first-time winners this season. There have also been just two multiple winners, Tiger Woods (four) and Matt Kuchar (WGC-Match Play; Memorial). There were only nine first-time winners in 2012.

In the last 18 Opens, 11 winners have flown the Stars and Stripes.

Since the last Open at Muirfield, there have been 43 majors won by 31 different players. Only Woods, Mickelson, Harrington, Cabrera and McIlroy have won multiple titles during this stretch.

In 1999, Paul Lawrie began the final round 10 shots behind Jean Van de Velde. Van de Velde began the round with a five-shot lead. It’s The Open Championship. This can happen.

The last four players to win on their maiden voyages have been Ben Curtis (2003, Royal St. George’s), Tom Watson (1975, Carnoustie), Tony Lema (1964, St. Andrews) and Ben Hogan (1953, Carnoustie). One of these things is not like the other.

Muirfield (16 times) trails only Prestwick (24) and St. Andrews (27) for the most times hosting The Open Championship.

In the modern era, Roberto de Vincenzo, 44 years and 93 days, is the oldest winner of this event.

If you think Ernie Els can repeat, you’re not alone. If he does, he’ll join a club of legends that includes names such as Morris, Thomson, Vardon, Hagen, Locke, Palmer, Trevino, Watson Woods and Harrington. Oh, and the Morris boys, Jaime Anderson, J.H. Taylor and Bob Ferguson. That’s golf royalty.

The last amateur to win was Robert Jones in 1930, his third and final Open Championship.

The youngest winner in the modern era is Severiano Ballasteros Sota at 22 years, three months and 12 days. The world just called him “Seve”. He won three of these and two Masters.

In 1980, Tom Watson set the tournament record for Muirfield by firing 13-under-par 271.

Only 10 players in history have won the week before a major and have gone on to lift the trophy the following week. Since 2000, only Phil Mickelson (2006) and Tiger Woods (2007) have pulled off this back-to-back feat. This week, Jordan Spieth will try and join this exclusive club as Mickelson is already a member.

Rank and File

Steve Stricker is the only person from the top 50 in the OWGR who is not playing this week.

Of Course

Muirfield, hosting its 16th Open Championship, is one of the “all-time” best courses in the world of golf. Not much has changed around these parts over the last 150 years and that’s what makes it great. The design then was the design they are playing now. Sure, they’ve added extra tee boxes and bunkering to accommodate the juiced golf ball and 460 drivers but the layout, original bunkering and route have barely been disturbed over time. The players love it because they can measure their games against the best of all-time who have won here.

The player that wins this week must be able to work the ball both directions in and out of the wind. That same player will have to adapt to the conditions instead of trying to overwhelm the conditions. Experienced players can adapt; young guys tend to grip it and rip it. On top of that, Tom Watson suggested that players who are comfortable and creative around the greens should flourish. Tiger Woods suggests that the mentally tough will prevail because there will be bad breaks when players hit great shots. The weather will be a factor because it will be in the back of player’s minds. Those who overcome that and yet find a bit of luck as well will be hoisting the Claret Jug as Champion Golfer of 2013 come Sunday afternoon.

Best 10, Plus One

Tiger Woods: His elbow is healed so that shouldn't be an issue this week as he looks to inch closer to Jack Nicklaus’ 18 majors. He hasn’t won one of these since 2008 U.S. Open and he hasn’t played since the 2013 U.S. Open so there is cause for concern. That concern goes out the window for me because he has all the shots and was going to win here in 2002 before the storm blew in. He fired 81, his worst round as a professional, in round three in those conditions. Many forget that he followed that up with 65 on Sunday. If the weather holds and his elbow holds up, he will join the elite group of winners at Muirfield.

Phil Mickelson: So close again at the U.S. Open and cut again at the Greenbrier, Mickelson keeps the fantasy gamer on his toes at all times. The family joined Mickelson last week at Castle Stuart as he prevailed in a playoff for his first victory in Europe since 1993. Stat people, he’s finished in the top 20 in the Scottish Open three times. He’s never backed that up with a top 10 at The Open. Is this is the NEW PHIL? He said Tuesday morning that he found something with the putter (he wouldn’t disclose what) and that he now loves links golf. OF COURSE HE DOES.

Jason Day: He’s teed it up 10 (11 if you include his WD after one round at 2012 Masters) times in the majors and hit the top five in four of those. He has five top 10s. He was third at the Masters and T2 at the U.S. Open this year so he’s about on form as you can get on the most pressure packed events of the season. His Open form isn’t great but with that record in that few events, I refuse to worry about that this week. Plus, he loves to grind and can hole putts. I’ll worry about that instead.

Dustin Johnson: He’s the only player in the last three years to finish in the top 15 at The Open. He’s been close in majors before (Pebble Beach 2010, Whistling Straits 2010, Royal St. George’s) and he has no problem playing costal venues. He’s won twice at Pebble Beach. He won the Barclays in a hurricane. He’s won at Kapalua. I’ve been asked about his personal life but remember the more she’s around, the more it’s “normal”. He’s an incredible talent and he’s finished T9, T2 and T14 in the last three Opens.

Justin Rose: His masterful performance at the U.S. Open saw him claim his first major championship but that hardly surprised anyone in the world of golf. Sometimes, the first one is the toughest and there is no reason that Rose cannot be the first Englishman since Sir Nick Faldo to win The Open. His only appearance after his victory at the U.S. Open was T13. He’ll be rested and relaxed and will not have to answer the English press’s questions about when he’s going to win a major anymore. As well as he strikes the golf ball, he’s on the list every time he tees it up.

Ernie Els: The 2012 and 2002 champion, the latter being at Muirfield, has proved over the years that this is the championship that he prefers. His 13 top 10s back up that statement. The Big Easy was T4 at the U.S. Open and backed up that finish with a win in Munich at the BMW International. He fired 72-70 to miss the cut last week at Castle Stuart but investing with the defending/defending champion this week is a sound plan of attack.

Adam Scott: The lightly-raced Aussie is back in the country of last year’s disappointment but this time with a green jacket thrown over his shoulder. He’s got a big caddy, a big game and bag full of confidence. I’ll overlook his four starts after the Masters (no top 10s) and rely on his huge talent instead this week. He’s the one-and-done this week, kids.

Sergio Garcia: He’s 11 of 14 in his career at The Open and seven of those weekends have resulted in top 10s. We remember the break down on Sunday at Carnoustie. We remember he couldn’t keep up with Tiger Woods at Royal Liverpool but the fact is his ball-striking does him more good than bad on this style of golf course. His worst effort of 2013 was at The U.S. Open but he bounced back with T7 at the BMW International in Munich. He finished T8 here in 2002.

Graeme McDowell: Mr. “All-or-Nothing” has either MC or won in his last eight events worldwide. He MC at the Masters and won the next week at RBC Heritage. He MC at THE PLAYERS and won the following week at the Volvo World Match Play. He followed that with MC at the BMW Championship, the U.S. Open and the Irish Open before winning two weeks ago in France. His current form outshines his Open form and he’ll have learned from playing in the final group here last year.

Lee Westwood: He was spotted working with Sean Foley earlier this week at Muirfield. I have read some pundits who believe that working with a new instructor is the kiss of death the same week as a major. I’m not so pessimistic because Westwood knows he’s not getting any younger and he if believes he just needs a tweak here or there, I’ll trust the player on that. He has 11 top 10s in his last 21 majors so he’s proven time and again that he’s competitive on the big stage. He MC here in 2002 but his improved short game has me encouraged even more this week.

Henrik Stenson: With finishes of T18 at the Masters, T5 at THE PLAYERS and T21 at the U.S. Open, Stenson has showed that he’s up for it in 2013. If that’s not enough proof, he crossed the pond to ping T10 at the BMW International and he was the 54-hole leader last week at Castle Stuart before fading to T3. He’s right there. This man pounds fairways and greens and has finished T3 twice (2008, 2010) at The Open. If he makes anything this week, he could be the first Swede to win a major.

Charl Schwartzel: He’s made the cut in 14 of his last 15 majors and his only miss was last year at this event. Anytime he’s in the field, he’ll find his way on to this list because he’s such a solid, solid player. The 2011 Masters champ, like Adam Scott, doesn’t play a ton of events, but his last two times out, he finished T8 at Memorial and 14th at the U.S. Open. You’ll remember that he was one shot out of the lead heading into Sunday before he bogeyed EVERY HOLE in the final round for 78. Can you tell he was on my roto team that week?

Nicolas Colsaerts: In just six majors played in the last three years the Belgian Bomber has found the top 10 twice, T7 here last year and T10 at this year’s U.S. Open. If you thought last year might be a fluke, he finished T8 last week at Castle Stuart in the Scottish Open. Bombs away, I say.

Luke Donald: An uneven season for the Englishman in 2013 has seen him show flashes of brilliance stateside but it hasn’t translated outside of North America. He’s been in the top 25 in eight of nine starts in the States but his best finish in three events worldwide is T42 in France two weeks ago. He’s made the cut in three of his last four Opens and those finishes are T5, T11 and T5. His short game will be the difference and a dry, fast course will eliminate his “shortness” off the tee.

Brandt Snedeker: In his last four majors he’s made three cuts and finished T17, T6, MC and T3. His T3 last year gave him the belief that his short game can translate across the ocean. Snedeker’s recent found accuracy with his ball-striking won’t hurt his chances either this week. He’s was close here last year as he lead after 36 holes and didn’t make his first birdie until hole No. 40. He’s healthy and he’s confident about the state of his game. That’s an excellent combo for someone with his talent.

Matt Kuchar: He’s seen the weekend in 12 of his last 14 majors which mirrors his consistency during regular TOUR events of that period of time. The “new” Kuchar has won the WGC-Match Play and the Memorial this season and that backs his PLAYERS win from 2012. The next piece of the puzzle is to win a major and he has plenty of game and the disposition to make that happen.

Bill Haas: I don’t like the fact that he’s never pinged at top 10 in 15 majors but I do like the fact that he’s having a great season. In 13 weekends, Haas has 11 times within the top 25 and eight of those are top 10s. His win at AT&T National in late June was backed up by T9 the following week at Greenbrier so his form is bang-on as well. Don’t forget he’s faced some pressure before as he battled Hunter Mahan for 10 million smackers in the 2011 TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP playoff. He’ll be ready.

Zach Johnson: His best finishes in 2013 have been where he played his best golf in 2012. Now, I know this is a different course but Johnson has proven his mettle across the pond as his T9 last year was his best Open and sixth year in a row he played the weekend on the links of Scotland/England. Even though he didn’t win last weekend, he should be encourage by the confluence of these factors.

Matteo Manassero: After winning for the fourth time in four years on the European Tour back in May, the 20-year old Manassero is playing like a seasoned veteran. He backed up his victory with a T4 in Sweden before MC at the U.S. Open. Back across the pond, he rattled off a pair of top 25s before his T57 last week at Castle Stuart after his closing round 76. I like that his lack of length will be negated this week on a firm, fast track. He beat a massive field to win the BMW PGA at Wentworth so he shouldn’t be intimidated this week.

Rickie Fowler: After opening with 79 in his first Open, Fowler has never fired another round over 72 in his last 11 rounds. He finished T31 last year, T5 in 2011 and T14 in 2010 so for a youngster that hasn’t lived up to some people’s expectations, he hasn’t disappointed on the links. He backed up his T10 at the U.S. Open with T13 at Travelers and T21 at AT&T National so he should be raring to go.

Rory McIlroy: Too much talent to omit, too many issues to factor at the top, McIlroy is fighting his way through new clubs, new balls and jet-setting with his No. 1 tennis lady. Since his T8 at THE PLAYERS, he’s MC, T57, T41 and MC. I guess the good news he’s had 18 days to prepare for this…

Defending Champion:Ernie Els fired 32 coming home to win his second Open Championship and fourth-career major as he defeated Adam Scott by one shot.

Dates: July 17-21

Notes: The Claret Jug stays in the winner’s possession for a calendar year. Ernie Els returned it, unscathed, Monday after his year with it in tow.

History Lessons

There have been 29 tournaments this season. The Stars and Stripes have won 23 of them but Australian Adam Scott and Englishman Justin Rose have the two biggest trophies, the Masters and U.S. Open, respectively.

There have also been 11 first-time winners this season. There have also been just two multiple winners, Tiger Woods (four) and Matt Kuchar (WGC-Match Play; Memorial). There were only nine first-time winners in 2012.

In the last 18 Opens, 11 winners have flown the Stars and Stripes.

Since the last Open at Muirfield, there have been 43 majors won by 31 different players. Only Woods, Mickelson, Harrington, Cabrera and McIlroy have won multiple titles during this stretch.

In 1999, Paul Lawrie began the final round 10 shots behind Jean Van de Velde. Van de Velde began the round with a five-shot lead. It’s The Open Championship. This can happen.

The last four players to win on their maiden voyages have been Ben Curtis (2003, Royal St. George’s), Tom Watson (1975, Carnoustie), Tony Lema (1964, St. Andrews) and Ben Hogan (1953, Carnoustie). One of these things is not like the other.

Muirfield (16 times) trails only Prestwick (24) and St. Andrews (27) for the most times hosting The Open Championship.

In the modern era, Roberto de Vincenzo, 44 years and 93 days, is the oldest winner of this event.

If you think Ernie Els can repeat, you’re not alone. If he does, he’ll join a club of legends that includes names such as Morris, Thomson, Vardon, Hagen, Locke, Palmer, Trevino, Watson Woods and Harrington. Oh, and the Morris boys, Jaime Anderson, J.H. Taylor and Bob Ferguson. That’s golf royalty.

The last amateur to win was Robert Jones in 1930, his third and final Open Championship.

The youngest winner in the modern era is Severiano Ballasteros Sota at 22 years, three months and 12 days. The world just called him “Seve”. He won three of these and two Masters.

In 1980, Tom Watson set the tournament record for Muirfield by firing 13-under-par 271.

Only 10 players in history have won the week before a major and have gone on to lift the trophy the following week. Since 2000, only Phil Mickelson (2006) and Tiger Woods (2007) have pulled off this back-to-back feat. This week, Jordan Spieth will try and join this exclusive club as Mickelson is already a member.

Rank and File

Steve Stricker is the only person from the top 50 in the OWGR who is not playing this week.

Of Course

Muirfield, hosting its 16th Open Championship, is one of the “all-time” best courses in the world of golf. Not much has changed around these parts over the last 150 years and that’s what makes it great. The design then was the design they are playing now. Sure, they’ve added extra tee boxes and bunkering to accommodate the juiced golf ball and 460 drivers but the layout, original bunkering and route have barely been disturbed over time. The players love it because they can measure their games against the best of all-time who have won here.

The player that wins this week must be able to work the ball both directions in and out of the wind. That same player will have to adapt to the conditions instead of trying to overwhelm the conditions. Experienced players can adapt; young guys tend to grip it and rip it. On top of that, Tom Watson suggested that players who are comfortable and creative around the greens should flourish. Tiger Woods suggests that the mentally tough will prevail because there will be bad breaks when players hit great shots. The weather will be a factor because it will be in the back of player’s minds. Those who overcome that and yet find a bit of luck as well will be hoisting the Claret Jug as Champion Golfer of 2013 come Sunday afternoon.

Best 10, Plus One

Tiger Woods: His elbow is healed so that shouldn't be an issue this week as he looks to inch closer to Jack Nicklaus’ 18 majors. He hasn’t won one of these since 2008 U.S. Open and he hasn’t played since the 2013 U.S. Open so there is cause for concern. That concern goes out the window for me because he has all the shots and was going to win here in 2002 before the storm blew in. He fired 81, his worst round as a professional, in round three in those conditions. Many forget that he followed that up with 65 on Sunday. If the weather holds and his elbow holds up, he will join the elite group of winners at Muirfield.

Phil Mickelson: So close again at the U.S. Open and cut again at the Greenbrier, Mickelson keeps the fantasy gamer on his toes at all times. The family joined Mickelson last week at Castle Stuart as he prevailed in a playoff for his first victory in Europe since 1993. Stat people, he’s finished in the top 20 in the Scottish Open three times. He’s never backed that up with a top 10 at The Open. Is this is the NEW PHIL? He said Tuesday morning that he found something with the putter (he wouldn’t disclose what) and that he now loves links golf. OF COURSE HE DOES.

Jason Day: He’s teed it up 10 (11 if you include his WD after one round at 2012 Masters) times in the majors and hit the top five in four of those. He has five top 10s. He was third at the Masters and T2 at the U.S. Open this year so he’s about on form as you can get on the most pressure packed events of the season. His Open form isn’t great but with that record in that few events, I refuse to worry about that this week. Plus, he loves to grind and can hole putts. I’ll worry about that instead.

Dustin Johnson: He’s the only player in the last three years to finish in the top 15 at The Open. He’s been close in majors before (Pebble Beach 2010, Whistling Straits 2010, Royal St. George’s) and he has no problem playing costal venues. He’s won twice at Pebble Beach. He won the Barclays in a hurricane. He’s won at Kapalua. I’ve been asked about his personal life but remember the more she’s around, the more it’s “normal”. He’s an incredible talent and he’s finished T9, T2 and T14 in the last three Opens.

Justin Rose: His masterful performance at the U.S. Open saw him claim his first major championship but that hardly surprised anyone in the world of golf. Sometimes, the first one is the toughest and there is no reason that Rose cannot be the first Englishman since Sir Nick Faldo to win The Open. His only appearance after his victory at the U.S. Open was T13. He’ll be rested and relaxed and will not have to answer the English press’s questions about when he’s going to win a major anymore. As well as he strikes the golf ball, he’s on the list every time he tees it up.

Ernie Els: The 2012 and 2002 champion, the latter being at Muirfield, has proved over the years that this is the championship that he prefers. His 13 top 10s back up that statement. The Big Easy was T4 at the U.S. Open and backed up that finish with a win in Munich at the BMW International. He fired 72-70 to miss the cut last week at Castle Stuart but investing with the defending/defending champion this week is a sound plan of attack.

Adam Scott: The lightly-raced Aussie is back in the country of last year’s disappointment but this time with a green jacket thrown over his shoulder. He’s got a big caddy, a big game and bag full of confidence. I’ll overlook his four starts after the Masters (no top 10s) and rely on his huge talent instead this week. He’s the one-and-done this week, kids.

Sergio Garcia: He’s 11 of 14 in his career at The Open and seven of those weekends have resulted in top 10s. We remember the break down on Sunday at Carnoustie. We remember he couldn’t keep up with Tiger Woods at Royal Liverpool but the fact is his ball-striking does him more good than bad on this style of golf course. His worst effort of 2013 was at The U.S. Open but he bounced back with T7 at the BMW International in Munich. He finished T8 here in 2002.

Graeme McDowell: Mr. “All-or-Nothing” has either MC or won in his last eight events worldwide. He MC at the Masters and won the next week at RBC Heritage. He MC at THE PLAYERS and won the following week at the Volvo World Match Play. He followed that with MC at the BMW Championship, the U.S. Open and the Irish Open before winning two weeks ago in France. His current form outshines his Open form and he’ll have learned from playing in the final group here last year.

Lee Westwood: He was spotted working with Sean Foley earlier this week at Muirfield. I have read some pundits who believe that working with a new instructor is the kiss of death the same week as a major. I’m not so pessimistic because Westwood knows he’s not getting any younger and he if believes he just needs a tweak here or there, I’ll trust the player on that. He has 11 top 10s in his last 21 majors so he’s proven time and again that he’s competitive on the big stage. He MC here in 2002 but his improved short game has me encouraged even more this week.

Henrik Stenson: With finishes of T18 at the Masters, T5 at THE PLAYERS and T21 at the U.S. Open, Stenson has showed that he’s up for it in 2013. If that’s not enough proof, he crossed the pond to ping T10 at the BMW International and he was the 54-hole leader last week at Castle Stuart before fading to T3. He’s right there. This man pounds fairways and greens and has finished T3 twice (2008, 2010) at The Open. If he makes anything this week, he could be the first Swede to win a major.

Charl Schwartzel: He’s made the cut in 14 of his last 15 majors and his only miss was last year at this event. Anytime he’s in the field, he’ll find his way on to this list because he’s such a solid, solid player. The 2011 Masters champ, like Adam Scott, doesn’t play a ton of events, but his last two times out, he finished T8 at Memorial and 14th at the U.S. Open. You’ll remember that he was one shot out of the lead heading into Sunday before he bogeyed EVERY HOLE in the final round for 78. Can you tell he was on my roto team that week?

Nicolas Colsaerts: In just six majors played in the last three years the Belgian Bomber has found the top 10 twice, T7 here last year and T10 at this year’s U.S. Open. If you thought last year might be a fluke, he finished T8 last week at Castle Stuart in the Scottish Open. Bombs away, I say.

Luke Donald: An uneven season for the Englishman in 2013 has seen him show flashes of brilliance stateside but it hasn’t translated outside of North America. He’s been in the top 25 in eight of nine starts in the States but his best finish in three events worldwide is T42 in France two weeks ago. He’s made the cut in three of his last four Opens and those finishes are T5, T11 and T5. His short game will be the difference and a dry, fast course will eliminate his “shortness” off the tee.

Brandt Snedeker: In his last four majors he’s made three cuts and finished T17, T6, MC and T3. His T3 last year gave him the belief that his short game can translate across the ocean. Snedeker’s recent found accuracy with his ball-striking won’t hurt his chances either this week. He’s was close here last year as he lead after 36 holes and didn’t make his first birdie until hole No. 40. He’s healthy and he’s confident about the state of his game. That’s an excellent combo for someone with his talent.

Matt Kuchar: He’s seen the weekend in 12 of his last 14 majors which mirrors his consistency during regular TOUR events of that period of time. The “new” Kuchar has won the WGC-Match Play and the Memorial this season and that backs his PLAYERS win from 2012. The next piece of the puzzle is to win a major and he has plenty of game and the disposition to make that happen.

Bill Haas: I don’t like the fact that he’s never pinged at top 10 in 15 majors but I do like the fact that he’s having a great season. In 13 weekends, Haas has 11 times within the top 25 and eight of those are top 10s. His win at AT&T National in late June was backed up by T9 the following week at Greenbrier so his form is bang-on as well. Don’t forget he’s faced some pressure before as he battled Hunter Mahan for 10 million smackers in the 2011 TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP playoff. He’ll be ready.

Zach Johnson: His best finishes in 2013 have been where he played his best golf in 2012. Now, I know this is a different course but Johnson has proven his mettle across the pond as his T9 last year was his best Open and sixth year in a row he played the weekend on the links of Scotland/England. Even though he didn’t win last weekend, he should be encourage by the confluence of these factors.

Matteo Manassero: After winning for the fourth time in four years on the European Tour back in May, the 20-year old Manassero is playing like a seasoned veteran. He backed up his victory with a T4 in Sweden before MC at the U.S. Open. Back across the pond, he rattled off a pair of top 25s before his T57 last week at Castle Stuart after his closing round 76. I like that his lack of length will be negated this week on a firm, fast track. He beat a massive field to win the BMW PGA at Wentworth so he shouldn’t be intimidated this week.

Rickie Fowler: After opening with 79 in his first Open, Fowler has never fired another round over 72 in his last 11 rounds. He finished T31 last year, T5 in 2011 and T14 in 2010 so for a youngster that hasn’t lived up to some people’s expectations, he hasn’t disappointed on the links. He backed up his T10 at the U.S. Open with T13 at Travelers and T21 at AT&T National so he should be raring to go.

Rory McIlroy: Too much talent to omit, too many issues to factor at the top, McIlroy is fighting his way through new clubs, new balls and jet-setting with his No. 1 tennis lady. Since his T8 at THE PLAYERS, he’s MC, T57, T41 and MC. I guess the good news he’s had 18 days to prepare for this…

Off the Radar

Players who are too young, too old or too “unheard of”

Martin Laird: He won at a tough track at Valero and hit the top five at THE PLAYERS so a difficult course will suit this Scottish ball-striker quite well. He finished T5 last week at the Scottish Open and posted the round of the day, 68, in less-than-ideal conditions. He’ll have the support of the galleries but his history at this event, one cut made in four (T72) has him in this category.

Chris Wood: This will be his first major since the 2010 PGA but the 2008 Low Amateur showed in 2009 with his T3 that the Open is one of his favorites. In 2013 he’s won and finished fifth in 10 events. He was having a decent week last weekend before a final round 76 knocked him to T57.

Thomas Aiken: In four Opens since 2009, the South African has racked up two top 10s including a career-best T7 last year. He’s flying in under the radar because he’s made one cut in his last five. The good news is that he fired 68 last week in his second round before missing the cut.

Miguel Angel Jiminez: The Mechanic also tends to poke his head up most years around this time. Since 2007 he’s five of six and his finishes are T12, T13, T27, T25 and T9 last year.

Russell Henley: He’s young and brave and his plenty of game but he’s still green. When you putt as well as this kid, you can get bailed out of plenty of situations. It wouldn’t surprise me, in good weather, to see him on the first page at some point.

Billy Horschel: Shit, why not! I believe I wrote the same phrase before the U.S. Open. Only you and I can limit what this kid is going to do down the road and after the U.S. Open, I’m trying to figure out why he SHOULDN’T be in the column for majors! His name will get lost in the shuffle of heavy hitters this week but I’d take a chance mid-to-late rounds, no problem.

Mikko Ilonen: He’s been on fire across the pond with five cuts from six made. In that run he’s posted a win, second, T12, T31 and T32. He’s played the Open only four times since 2000 and has a T9, T16 and T50 to show for it.

Alexander Noren: The Swede has a T19 and T9 in four events here. He picked off two top 5s (both T4s) in late May early June but has been quiet since, including 75-71 last week.

Lucas Glover: He’s won a major in bad weather. His ball-striking can hang with anyone. His putting is atrocious. #FantasyRussianRoulette

Pack Lightly

Just because they have well-recognized names doesn’t always mean you have to panic to fill your roster out with them…Also, it seems at least one of these guys will hit the top 10 EVERY week. I’m not scared.

Stewart Cink: His best finish in a major since defeating Tom Watson and angering the Golf Gods in 2009 is T18 in the 2010 PGA Championship.

Ian Poulter: After finishes of second in 2008 and T9 last year, Poulter seems like a no-brainer. Between those finishes were MC, T60 and MC. He’s big hit or big miss and his best full-field, stroke-play finish this year is T21.

Chris Kirk: He Tweeted last Sunday that he’s going to be a daddy again in the winter so he wasn’t too upset about his final round 72 that saw him stall out last week at JDC. I thought Kirk was ready for a breakout at a birdie-fest and he was. For three rounds. He won here in 2011 and was T10 last year so he’s my one-and-done for this tournament if such a thing exists.

Steven Bowditch: He backed up his T2 at Greenbrier with 67-65 last weekend at JDC to finish T12. He fired a Sunday 62 here in 2011.

D.H. Lee: Sure, he MC last week but his 66 on Friday isn’t going to scare me off this week. His top 10s at AT&T and Greenbrier is all I need.

Jim Herman: #gohermie has fired 68 or better in six of his last seven rounds and was T10 last week. Strike while the iron is HOT.

Daniel Summerhays: It’s a big week for last week’s 54-hole leader. He made 22 birdies entering Sunday but couldn’t get out of his own way down the stretch and missed out on the playoff by one shot. If he thought he needed 30 birdies last week, he’s probably going to need a similar number this week. I think he’s in with a shout again come Sunday.

Chad Campbell: He’s played only three of 16 rounds over-par in his last four tournaments and has made the cut in eight of his last 10. He posted T16 at AT&T and T15 last week at JDC. He won here in 2007.

D.J. Trahan: He is the “horse-for-course” this week. He made four weekends on the bounce before MC last week and he loves it here. He won in 2006, T3 in 2011, T12 in 2005, and T9 in 2011.

Martin Flores: He finished on fire last week at the JDC with a closing 63 to cash for the sixth time in seven weeks. Another Longhorn to watch!

Troy Matteson: He’s made all four weekends in four starts in Mississippi and his worst finish is T36. The other three finishes are T18, T14 and T8. That’s a nice combo when you add in the fact that he’s trending in the right direction after finishes of T52, T41 and T27 over his last three starts.

Ken Looper: He Monday qualified for the Zurich and finished T21. If you’re looking for a long shot this week, here you go!

Rookie of the Week Last Week

I keep an eye on the youngin’s each week to see who is making the most noise.

Phil Mickelson-- It's only in recent years that Phil has played well on links courses, with the highlight coming last week when he won the Scottish Open. He has won before a major before, so he will be a popular pick this week.

Graeme McDowell-- Many players will use Tiger Woods in this spot, but I'm low on starts with him and there is a question how well his elbow injury will hold up this week. Instead, I'm going to use Graeme McDowell, who has notched three championships in his last seven worldwide starts. Besides the championships he also has four missed cuts, so he is not a pick for those that want to avoid risk.

Justin Rose-- He broke through last month for his first major title and has played well since. Rose could be like Phil Mickelson, who quickly added more majors to the resume after his first major title.

Luke Donald-- It been a bit of a disappointing season for Donald, but he has a nice recent history at the British Open of a T11 in '10 and a pair of T5s in '09 and last year

Ernie Els-- Yes, Els missed the cut last week at the Scottish Open, but before that he tied for fourth at the US Open and won the BMW International Open. He also this week is the defending champion and he returns to Muirfield , where he won his first British Open title.

Dustin Johnson-- Johnson is in just ok form right now, but I can't ignore his recent record at the British Open of a T14 in '10, a T2 in '11 and a T9 last year.

Henrik Stenson-- He is very good form right now and he was in the hunt for the title last week at the Scottish Open before bogeys at the 70th and 71st holes dropped him into a tie for third place. Stenson also has a nice recent history at the British Open of T3s in '10 and '08.

Adam Scott-- One of the angles I like to play weekly is to pick a player that was in second place in last year's event. Scott had a heartbreaking meltdown in last year's Open and I can see him rebounding this week to add a second major title to his resume.

And the analysis doesn't end here. Rotoworld's Rob Bolton and I will be co-hosting a one-hour live chat WEDNESDAY at NOON ET. We will be breaking down the field at The Open Championship and Sanderson Farms Championship and answering your questions. Simply return to the golf home page to join in on the chatter. Don’t forget to follow Rob (http://twitter.com/RobBoltonGolf) and Glass (http://twitter.com/GlassWGCL) on Twitter.